Greetings! Welcome to July! This month, we are able to conclude our Obon Observance with a Cemetery Service at Evergreen Cemetery at 10:00 a.m., and the Obon Service at the Temple at 11:00 a.m. Service will be followed by a delicious luncheon. This all takes place July 24.
I am hopeful that many of our Sangha that came out to make Japan Nite such a success will also find time to make it to the Obon Service...from performers, to dancers, to cooks, to construction...from observers, to advertisers, to photographers, to set up, to tear down....from bakers, to bento boxers, to book keepers....It takes a tremendous amount of effort...time, work and sweat...to make it happen. Was it successful? Was it appreciated? Was it worth it? Yes!...Yes!...Yes!
The comments I have heard regarding the Japan Nite Obon Festival have been about community and camaraderie, team work and effort, fellowship renewed, and friendships rekindled. People have mentioned appreciation, family and gratitude. We reflect upon the past, and wonder about the future, while working together, immersed in the immediacy of the moment.
Without Obon, we might have been sitting at home, absorbed in self, with the same old stuff. Instead, we busted out like Superman, and lived the Dharma. We became a part of the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, in dynamic activity...happening...unfolding...expanding to true reality. Each of your efforts were expressions of gratitude...an enactment of the mind of Nembutsu. In total, it was a festive and beautiful display of the truth, value, and depth of Buddhism, for all to witness.
Gassho......Raihai.....Rev. Dennis
Temple News by Ann NagakiLooks like half of 2005 has slipped by rapidly. Now that we have the Obon Festival out of the way, we can all relax for a little while. We would like to thank our co-chairpersons, Tracy Nakamura and Howard Matsumura for the successful Obon event. All in all it felt a little different this year to have this event a month earlier than usual. The weather was cooler and that was a plus, not to mention that we thought we had the perfect day, and then a nasty windstorm came upon us prior to the Bon Odori, but afterwards it settled down. Most of the food items sold out. At our post meeting, we will all put our heads together to decide on next years event. We would like to thank everyone for all their donations (large and small) and especially all the hours of help!
Father's Day Barbecue was another treat for all those who attended. Thanks to the guys who help with the barbecue chicken and to the Ontario country doing their Toban responsibilities. Also, thanks to those who brought extra side dishes to complete the lunch. Afterwards we had a raffle for those with lucky numbers. Ann Nagaki was in charge of this, deciding to give Taka Okita and Kay Teramura a break after doing this for years and years. I heard that the men folks who were barbecuing had a special religious meditation time by Rev. Fujimoto ---umm, is that why the chicken tasted extra special?!
Obon Services will be held on July 24th with Rev. Dennis Fujimoto delivering the special services at 11:00 a.m. The Payette-Fruitland area will be the Tobans. Since the group is very small, we will be asking others to help if at all possible.
"Happy Bowl" time is approaching upon us sooner than we think. It will start on August 1 - 6th with the Chamber of Commerce lunch on Monday, Tuesday in the evening and official start date on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. until closing. Thursday, Friday and Saturday will start at 11:00 until closing. Don't forget, we can use some donations of zucchini's, carrots, and Japanese cucumbers - it will be appreciated.
National Buddhist Women's Conference will be held October 7,8,9th. We have a deadline of July 10th, so if you're interested in going we need to know ASAP. Please call Martha Mizuta or Ann Nagaki.
Next Fujinkai meeting will be held on August 7th after adult services.
Dharma School News by Mary Ann ShimojimaWe will again have the "Happy Bowl" booth at the Malheur County Fair. This booth is sponsored by the Dharma School and the Fujinkai. If you can help, please let Mary Ann Shimojima know and we'll find a job for you.
Those of you who plan on helping for more than one day might want to get a pass for $8.00, so please let Mary Ann know ahead of time so that we can purchase passes for you or you can purchase it at the fair office before August 2nd. This years theme is "Kids & Kritters". Hope to see ya there!
July Monthly Memorial Service (Shotsuki Hoyo)
July and August 2005
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